Drone Power Docking for UAM Takeoff and Landing Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
UAM aircraft face energy consumption issues during vertical take-off and landing, leading to reduced vehicle range and potential power shortages, which can increase the risk of accidents.
Innovation Solution
A drone forms an Ultra WideBand (UWB)-based link with the UAM aircraft to supply power during vertical take-off and landing, using a power supply system comprising a drone and a hub to dock and undock as needed, adjusting cable tension, and ensuring secure authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If UAM aircraft performs vertical take-off and landing, then transportation efficiency and urban space utilization are improved, but energy consumption increases and vehicle range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by assessing battery status before takeoff and proactively deploying drones to supply power during the flight operation, rather than waiting for power depletion to occur
Solution Approach 2:
Drones serve as intermediary power supply units between the ground infrastructure and the UAM aircraft, enabling energy transfer through wireless power transmission technology during vertical flight operations
2Area of stationary object
If UAM aircraft performs vertical take-off and landing, then urban space utilization is improved, but power stability deteriorates and accident risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring battery status, power consumption rates, and flight parameters in real-time, allowing dynamic adjustment of power supply strategies to maintain stability during vertical operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by having standby drones ready to immediately supply power when needed, creating a safety buffer that prevents power depletion and potential accidents during critical takeoff and landing phases
3Quantity of substance
If drone supplies power to UAM aircraft during flight, then energy availability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the UAM aircraft to autonomously request power when battery levels are low, and the hub to automatically deploy and coordinate drones without requiring complex external control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The drone platform serves multiple functions including power supply, positioning, and communication relay, reducing the need for separate specialized systems and thereby managing complexity while providing comprehensive energy support
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and system for supplying power during the takeoff and landing of an Urban Air Mobility (UAM) aircraft is disclosed herein. A power supplying method is performed by a power supply system comprising a drone and a hub. The power supplying method includes: determining whether power is required for an Urban Air Mobility (UAM) aircraft to land on the hub using battery information of the UAM aircraft when the UAM aircraft is determined to be in a landing mode; moving the drone from the hub to the UAM aircraft using location information of the UAM aircraft when it is determined that power is additionally required for the UAM aircraft to land on the hub; docking the drone to the UAM aircraft to couple with; and supplying power required for the UAM aircraft to land on the hub to the UAM aircraft by the drone.